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Since April 22, Cova bastera has reopened.

These caves, classified since 2008 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have known many periods, from the Ice Age, to Prehistory, the history of Vauban and finally the Contemporary Age.

Today, the Cova basera is home to the only underground theme park in France: Dinopedia experience!

Live a unique experience ! Go back in time and cross 400 million years, from prehistory to the Carboniferous, passing through the marvelous world of the dinosaurs.
Much more than a cave or a museum, it's a magical immersive experience!

See you soon in Villefranche de Conflent!

Anny and Arnaud

https://les-maisons-du-conflent.com

The giants of Villefranche de Conflent.

The giants of Villefranche-de-Conflent are emblematic figures of the city. They have a long history dating back centuries.

According to legend, the giants were created in medieval times to celebrate the city's victory over Spanish troops in the Thirty Years' War. The giants represent a nobleman and a lady, dressed in traditional Catalan attire, and are carried by members of the local community during celebrations.

Over the centuries, the giants of Villefranche-de-Conflent have become an important tradition in the town, forming an integral part of many festivals and celebrations. They have been used to mark marriages, births and deaths, as well as to celebrate religious and cultural events.

During the 1800s and 1900s, the giant tradition began to decline in the region.In the 1970s, a group of local citizens decided to restore the tradition, and since then the giants have resumed their place in the life of the city.

Today, the giants of Villefranche-de-Conflent are a symbol of Catalan culture, a popular tourist attraction and a living reminder of the town's history and tradition. Every year, thousands of visitors come to Villefranche-de-Conflent to see the giants during their public appearances and take part in the town's many festivals and celebrations.

Anny and Arnaud

https://les-maisons-du-conflent.com

The Escaro and Aytua mines are located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, a mountainous region in southwestern France. The history of these mines dates back to Roman times, when the Romans began mining lead, silver, and zinc in the region. Over the centuries, mines have gone through several periods of activity and decline, depending on changing technologies, demand for metals, conflicts and economic crises.

In the 19th century, the mines of Escaro and Aytua experienced a new boom thanks to the invention of the steam engine, which made it possible to increase production and to go deeper into the veins. Both mines operated until World War I, when production was halted due to worker mobilization and wartime restrictions.

After the war, the demand for metals declined and the mines went into gradual decline.The mines were closed permanently in 1961, at a time when production had become too expensive and the metals were less profitable.

Today, the remains of the mines of Escaro and Aytua are still visible in the area, including buildings, shafts and slag heaps. The sites have become tourist and cultural attractions, bearing witness to the industrial history of the region and the evolution of mining.

The arrival of spring at Mount Canigou is a particularly magical moment, when nature comes back to life.

Spring is marked by the return of bright and shimmering colors. The snow-capped peaks are adorned with pastel colors and the verdant meadows come alive with carpets of wildflowers. Hikers and nature lovers flock to admire these spectacular landscapes and to hike the mountain trails.

Mount Canigou is also a high place of Catalan spirituality. In the spring, pilgrims flock to climb the summit and celebrate traditional festivals there. Saint John's Day, which takes place every year on June 23, is one of the most important times of the year. Thousands of people gather to light bonfires on the peaks and to celebrate the summer solstice.

Ski resorts are still open for the last snowy descents, while adventure parks and zipline courses are ready to welcome visitors in search of adrenaline.

Fresh seasonal products such as asparagus, mushrooms and aromatic herbs are featured in the region's restaurants, offering visitors authentic and tasty cuisine.

In short, the arrival of spring at Mount Canigou is a magical moment when nature comes back to life and where Catalan culture is given pride of place. Outdoor activities, local gastronomy and cultural events offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors looking for relaxation and a change of scenery.

Anny and Arnaud

https://les-maisons-du-conflent.com

the weavers,

The Weavers of Villefranche-de-Conflent were experienced artisans renowned for their exceptional skill in weaving high-quality silk fabrics in the 18th century.

Located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, in the south of France, Villefranche de Conflent was famous for its expertise in luxury weaving. The Weavers were expert artisans who worked with passion to create luxurious textiles for clothing, furniture and home decor. Their in-depth knowledge of weaving techniques, combined with their manual dexterity and attention to detail, allowed them to create unique and elegant pieces that left a lasting mark on their time.

Their work was meticulous, from the preparation of the silk threads to the finishing of the fabrics.The Weavers of Villefranche-de-Conflent used complex weaving techniques, such as Jacquard, which allowed them to create sophisticated patterns and designs. They were also able to dye silk threads in a wide range of colors, creating shimmering and shiny fabrics.

Their know-how was highly appreciated, and their production was in high demand by the most demanding customers, whether they were nobility or wealthy merchants.

Anny and Arnaud

https://les-maisons-du-conflent.com

Fort Liberia,

Fort Liberia is a historic military fortress located in the town of Villefranche-de-Conflent, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France. The fort was built in the 17th century by the famous French military engineer Vauban, as part of a system of fortifications to defend the French border against Spain.

Fort Liberia is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Villefranche-de-Conflent and the surrounding valley. The fortress is made up of a series of ramparts, tunnels and rock-cut buildings, and is connected to the town below by a long staircase called the "Staircase of the King of Aragon".

The fort was strategically important during the 17th and 18th centuries, as it allowed the French to control access to the Roussillon region and the Mediterranean coast.It was used in the War of the Spanish Succession and was later used as a prison during the French Revolution.

Today, Fort Liberia is open to visitors, who can explore the tunnels and ramparts, and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. It is also a popular place for rock climbing and other outdoor activities.

Saint Michel de Cuxa, a story, our heritage.

Saint-Michel de Cuxa Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located near the town of Villefranche-de-Conflent, in the Pyrenees Orientales, France. It was founded in the 9th century and is considered one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region.

Over the centuries, the abbey experienced great prosperity and was enriched by numerous donations and legacies. It was also the seat of several religious communities and played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the region, including in the neighboring town of Villefranche-de-Conflent.

However, over the following centuries the abbey went through difficult times, notably during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution, when it suffered severe damage and was looted.

In the 20th century, the abbey was restored and is now open to the public as a tourist and cultural site. It is also home to a monastic community that continues to perpetuate the Benedictine tradition.

The Saint-Michel de Cuxa abbey is a remarkable site for its medieval architecture, frescoes and mosaics, as well as for its peaceful and enchanting natural environment. It attracts many visitors every year in search of history, culture and spirituality, as well as lovers of historical heritage.

The Caves of Canalettes are an exceptional natural site located in Villefranche de Conflent in the Pyrénées-Orientales in France.

They are known for their unique rock formations and the vibrant colors of their water.

The caves were formed over thousands of years by the erosion of groundwater on limestone rock.

Tours can be organized in small groups with a guide and last approximately one hour.

Along the route, you will see amazing rock formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and columns.

The caves are also inhabited by many species of animals such as bats, spiders and dragonflies.

Tours can be taken throughout the year, but advance booking is recommended due to the popularity of the caves.

The tours are accessible to people of all ages and are considered an unforgettable moment for nature and history lovers.

The Caves of Canalettes are a site not to be missed during your visit to Villefranche de Conflent and the Pyrénées-Orientales.

Anny and Arnaud

https://les-maisons-du-conflent.com

We are delighted to share our success with you as a loyal customer.

Your confidence in our establishment is a real honor for us.

We know you have many choices when planning your vacation or business trip, and we're glad you chose Les Maisons Du Conflent.

Thanks to you, we are again this year Superhote at Airbnb and have obtained the "Traveller Review Award 2023" at Booking.com

We hope you had an incredible stay and that you will come back to visit Villefranche de Conflent and this magnificent region.

Thank you for being a loyal customer and contributing to our success!

Anny and Arnaud

https://les-maisons-du-Conflent.com

The arrival of snow in Villefranche de Conflent is a bit like a magic dusting! It doesn't take much for the city to turn into a real fairy tale. The cobbled streets become natural ice rinks, the red-tiled roofs become icy cakes, and even the trees look like they've come out of a Christmas tale.

City walks become even more charming with cobbled streets blanketed in snow and historic buildings even more majestic. Hot chocolates and hot drinks are even more comforting in these winter temperatures. There is also the possibility of going on a hike in the forest to discover the snow-covered trees or even quieter activities such as an afternoon reading by the fireplace.

For vacationers, there are many rental houses or gites available to have a comfortable and pleasant stay during this time of year.These vacation rentals are often equipped with a fireplace or a wood stove to warm up after a day of outdoor walking.

In summary, the arrival of snow in Villefranche de Conflent is a real delight for the eyes and for the heart, even if the amount of snow is minimal. There are plenty of things to do to enjoy this time of year, even without the ski activities. And for vacationers, there are many options for renting houses or gites to have a comfortable and pleasant stay.